HTC rejects insider trading claims in Apple settlement

TAIPEI--Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC Corp. said yesterday it was not involved in any insider trading in its global patent settlement with rival Apple Inc.

"There is strict confidentiality requirement in this agreement," HTC said in an emailed statement.

"The company conducts regular compliance training on insider trading stipulations, and frequently reminds employees to abide by these regulations."

"HTC advises investors not be misled by false reports," the Taoyuan-based company said.

The statement came after HTC shares rose 7 percent, the maximum daily increase, to close at NT$226.00 (US$7.80) on Nov. 9 — two days before the HTC-Apple settlement was announced — giving rise to media speculations on insider trading.

The stock has plunged more than 50 percent so far this year and hit NT$194 in late October, the lowest since 2005, as the company has faced intensified competition from iPhone maker Apple and Android peer Samsung Electronics Co.

On Oct. 26, HTC reported consolidated revenue of NT$70.2 billion for the July-September quarter, a quarterly drop of 23 percent. It has forecast a 14-percent decline in its fourth-quarter revenue due to limited sales contribution from new products.